:: O women! Give alms ::

Assalam Alaikum, 

Just for my sisters, whom inshaaAllah, will be my neighbours in Jannah~ Ameen~ 

Following up to the previous blog post on women majority in jahanam.

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri On 'Id ul Fitr or 'Id ul Adha Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) went out to the Musalla. After finishing the prayer, he delivered the sermon and ordered the people to give alms. 

He said, "O people! Give alms." Then he went towards the women and said. "O women! Give alms, for I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-Fire were you (women)." 

The women asked, "O Allah's Apostle! What is the reason for it?" 

He replied, "O women! You curse frequently, and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. O women, some of you can lead a cautious wise man astray." 

Then he left. 

And when he reached his house, Zainab, the wife of Ibn Masud, came and asked permission to enter It was said, "O Allah's Apostle! It is Zainab." 

He asked, 'Which Zainab?" The reply was that she was the wife of Ibn Mas'ub. He said, "Yes, allow her to enter." 

And she was admitted. Then she said, "O Prophet of Allah! Today you ordered people to give alms and I had an ornament and intended to give it as alms, but Ibn Masud said that he and his children deserved it more than anybody else." 

The Prophet replied, "Ibn Masud had spoken the truth. Your husband and your children had more right to it than anybody else."
(Sahih Bukhari Book #24, Hadith #541)

W'salam,
Khadijah C.

:: Words do not matter ::

:: Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid, my Role Model ::

Assalam Alaikum, 

A glimpse of the women of Jannah through the life of Mother Khadijah (RadiaAllahuAnha)~ 

A wife's love so deep for her husband~ 

May Allah swt gives Mother Khadijah the very best~ 

Ameen~ 

W'salam, Khadijah C. 

:: Doing bad, think again ::

Assalam Alaikum, SubhanaaAllah! No reason for our deeds to weigh less on day of judgement! W'salam, Khadijah C.

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: The Prophet narrating about his Lord and said, 

"Allah ordered (the appointed angels over you) that the good and the bad deeds be written, and He then showed (the way) how (to write). If somebody intends to do a good deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write for him a full good deed (in his account with Him); and if he intends to do a good deed and actually did it, then Allah will write for him (in his account) with Him (its reward equal) from ten to seven hundred times to many more times: and if somebody intended to do a bad deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write a full good deed (in his account) with Him, and if he intended to do it (a bad deed) and actually did it, then Allah will write one bad deed (in his account) ." (Sahih Bukhari Book #76, Hadith #498)

:: Dua for someone ::

Assalam Alaikum, 

Make dua~

الله سبحانه و تعالى‎ knows~

Say: "Whether ye hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it all: He knows what is in the heavens, and what is on earth. And Allah has power over all things. 

( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #29) 

Taken from http://2inspireamuslim.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/best-gift.html

W'salam, 
Khadijah C. 

:: I look, I look, I see ::

:: Qur’anic Arabic Braille group ::

Kitaba Islamic Texts for the Blind is proud to announce the first Qur’anic Arabic Braille group, which will meet weekly on Skype. 

Comprising blind Muslims who want to improve their Qur’anic Arabic Braille. The group will work its way through the holy Qur’an, encouraging members to take it in turns to recite by reading out loud from their Braille Qur’ans while everyone else follows. 

There will be an opportunity to chat once the recitation is over, and build links with other blind Muslims. 

The group will meet every Sunday evening at 20:00 UK time on Skype. Anyone with knowledge of Qur’anic Arabic Braille however limited is welcome. Those who do not wish to take part in the recitation but would like to listen in and enjoy the social aspect are more than welcome to come along. 

For anyone interested in joining the group, please contact Bilal Hussain, Skype i.d: kitaba.org. If you do not have Skype, and would like help setting it up then please email balal at kwagga dot com. 

http://www.kitaba.org/news/formation-of-the-online-quranic-arabic-braille-group/

:: 2nd chance ::

Assalam Alaikum, 

How many us do have that 2nd chance to change? How many of us have many chances after that 2nd chance? What do we do with these chances? 

hmMmmm... 

W'salam, Khadijah C.

:: حلال 清真‎ Halal::

Assalam Alaikum, 

How cool it is to have 3 languages on the halal logo? 
Way to go Taipei Grand Mosque! 

W'salam, 
Khadijah C.

 

:: وَالْعَصْرِ By Time ::

Assalam Alaikum,

It is a sign that Surah Al-Asr (103) has been repeated to me for the past 2 weeks~ There are questions which one could ask and only الله سبحانه و تعالى‎, could answer~ And I think Surah Al-Asr is the answer to my questions to my creator~

وَالْعَصْرِ

إِنَّ الإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْر ٍ

إِلاَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ

(Taken from http://transliteration.org)

By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),
Verily Man is in loss,
Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.
(  سورة العصر  , Al-Asr, Chapter #103)

As the common phrase, "Only time will tell"~ 

Does it matter what happen now is beyond our plans and understanding? 

With the limited amount of knowledge we have in the given time, there are a lot of things which we are not able to understand... Just like how Prophet Musa ( عليه السلام) could not understand the doings of Khidr ( عليه السلام) until intentions and actions were provided (Surah Al-Kahf)~

We might dislike a thing which is good for us, and love a thing which is bad for us~ 

الله سبحانه و تعالى, knows and we do not~

So,have faith that whatever happen now is the best, for now and for future... And while waiting for future, do righteous deeds and have patience~

Patience...
Patience...
Patience...

Lots of it! =D


W'salam,
Khadijah C.

:: SG 20Apr13 Islamic Lectures in Mandarin ::

:: Chinese Masjid for women ::

Assalam Alaikum,

This video provides a great introduction of female masjids in China, with female imams~

One of the Imams on the interviewed mentioned that the younger generation of muslim females are not taking up the roles of female imams in China due to low salary and other extra distractions...

Hai... The test of the wordly glitter is irresistible~

Looking at the female issues we have in the ummah, the number of female scholars / leaders should increase, not decrease...

إن شاء الله I will get my tools ready, sharpen them... And if opportunity arises and it is the route that is planned for me, I shall go!

Enjoy the video! 

http://www.chinafile.com/last-call-prayer

W'salam,

Khadijah C.

 

:: Sweetest Love story ::

:: The Pleading Woman ::

(Taken from Tafsir http://www.searchtruth.com/tafsir/tafsir.php?chapter=58)

This Surah is entitled Al Mujadalah as well as Al Mujadilah, the title being derived from the word tujadiluka of the very first verse. 

As at the outset mention has been made of the woman who pleaded with the Holy Prophet (upon whom be Allah's peace) the case of zihar pronounced by her husband and urged him to suggest a way out of the difficult situation in order to save her and, her children's life from ruin, and Allah has described her pleading by the word "mujadalah", the Surah came to be known by this very title. 

If it is read as "mujadalah",it would mean "pleading and arguing", and if it is read as "mujadilah", it would mean "the woman who pleaded and argued." 

The story of Khawla Bint Tha`laba (May Allah be pleased with her)

Taken from http://www.alsiraj.net/English/sahaba/html/page20.html

Khawla Bint Tha`laba  was the daughter of Abdullah ibn al-Harith ibn Uwaimir ibn Nawfal. She was from the helpers. She was Khawla Bint Tha`laba ibn Asram ibn Auf, the wife of Anas ibn as-Samit who fought in the battle of Badr, Uhud and all other battles in which the Prophet fought. 

Once she annoyed her husband, Anas, accordingly he said to her "you are to me as the back of my mother". This statement was held by pagan custom to imply a divorce and free the husband from any responsibility for conjugal duties. Such a custom was in any case degrading to a woman. 

It was particularly hard on Khawla Bint Tha`laba, for she loved her husband and pleaded that she had little children. She had no resources to support them. She urged her plea to the Prophet and in prayer to Allah. But the Prophet said,"I have no ruling concerning that. I think you are divorced."

Thereupon, she had nothing to do but to invoke and complain to Allah. Having argued with the Prophet concerning her case, she complained to Allah. This is the perfection of faith to complain only to Allah. 

No sooner did she finish her player than the Holy Spirit come to the Prophet. after he had been recovered, he said,"O Khawla, Allah has revealed some verses of the Qur'an concerning you and your husband" then he started to read, 
 

Allah has indeed heard (and accepted) the statement of the woman who pleads with thee concerning her husband and carries her complaint (in prayer) to Allah: and Allah (always) hears the arguments between both sides among you: for Allah hears and sees (all things).
( سورة المجادلة , Al-Mujadila, Chapter #58, Verse #1)

Her just plea was accepted, and this iniquitous custom, based on false words was abolished. 

Once, Khawla Bint Tha`laba blocked Umar`s way to advise him saying."O Umar, fear Allah in your people. You have to know that whoever fears the warning will find the remotest thing close. Whoever fears from death would not like to miss anything. Whoever believes in the Judgement will fear from torture..."

When one of Umar`s companions asked her to stop by saying, "It is too much, and this is the leader of the believers." 

Umar said, "Let her say. Do you know her? This is Khawla Bint Tha`laba to whom Allah listened from above seven heavens. Then Umar has to listen too."
 

:: Our lifelong companion ::

"Even when God seemed to have abandoned me, he was watching. Even when He seemed indifferent to my suffering, He was watching and when I was beyond all hope of saving... He gave me rest and gave me a sign to continue my journey.."
- Pi Patel, "Life of Pi"

That's all we ever need~

Al-Baqi (الباقي)

The lifelong companion, in this life and hereafter, to give us strength to continue on this testing life journey~

Assalam Alaikum~

:: Time for Salaat Isthikhara ::

:: A Promise during Nikah ::

Taken from http://www.soundvision.com/Info/weddings/khutba.asp

Prophet Muhammad taught the following Khutba (sermon) for Nikah (the marriage ceremony). Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. (Ibn Masood narrated it as reported in Tirmithi, may Allah be pleased with him)

All praises are for Allah. We seek Guidance and forgiveness from Him. We also seek refuge in Him from the evils of our ownselves. Whoever Allah guides, noone can misguide him. Whoever He lets go astray noone can put him back on track. We testify that there is no god but Allah and we testify that Muhammad is Allah's servant and His messenger.

O ye who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam.
( سورة آل عمران , Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #102)

O mankind! reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, His mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women;- reverence Allah, through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (That bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.
( سورة النساء , An-Nisa, Chapter #4, Verse #1)

O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and (always) say a word directed to the Right: That He may make your conduct whole and sound and forgive you your sins: He that obeys Allah and His Messenger, has already attained the highest achievement. If you do so,) Allah will correct your deeds for your benefit, and forgive your sins for you. Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger achieves a great success.
( سورة الأحزاب , Al-Ahzab, Chapter #33, Verse #70-71)

:: Grave of Sahabah Jabir ibn Abdullah & Hudhaifa Al- Yamani (RA) ::

Assalam Alaikum, 

Allahu Akbar!

An incident I heard on a lecture of the graves of Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA) and Hazrat Hudhaifa Al- Yamani (RA). This is an excerpt from the incident...

"The most marvelous spectacle was now seen by the huge crowd that had gathered to witness this great event. 

Both the holy bodies of these true companions of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) were fresh and intact while their open eyes issued forth such divine light that the spectator's eyes were dazzled. 

 Furthermore, their coffin, clothes, kaffan were also intact and at first glance, it appeared as if these heroes of Islam were alive. 

The two bodies were then taken away and buried afresh near the grave of another great hero of Islam, Salman-e-Farsi, in Salman Park which is 30 miles from Baghdad. 

This miracle amazed the scientists, philosophers and doctors. They were all bewildered and spellbound to witness this great miracle." 

W'salam,

Khadijah

:: Hearts find peace ::

:: 百字讚 The Hundred word Eulogy ::

Chinese Emperor’s beautiful poem about the Holy Prophet Muhammad  

Taken from: http://www.themuslimtimes.org/2013/02/uncategorized/chinese-emperors-beautiful-poem-about-prophet-muhammad-sa

Hong-Wu (also known by his given name Zhū Yuánzhāng) was the Emperor of China between 1368 – 1398 CE. He was the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, leading an Army that conquered the country and defeated away the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. 

Despite being a non-Muslim, Hong-Wu ordered the construction of several mosques in Nanjing, Yunnan, Guangdong and Fujian. He rebuilt the Jinjue Mosque in Nanjing and large numbers of Hui (Muslim Chinese) people moved to the city during his rule. 

He had around 10 Muslim generals in his army, including Chang Yuchun, Lan Yu, Ding Dexing, Mu Ying, Feng Sheng and Hu Dahai. In addition, Hong-Wu’s spouse, Empress Ma, descended from a Muslim family while he was originally a member of a Muslim rebel group led by Guo Zhixin. 

Emperor Hong-Wu wrote a 100 word eulogy praising Islam, Allah and the Prophet Muhammad which he had placed in the mosques which he ordered to be built. The eulogy is in the form of a poem, each verse containing 4 words (characters) and 4 syllables. In the translation below I have strayed away from trying to keep the 4 word per verse translation in favour of a more literal translation which conveys the full meaning in flowing English.

《百字讚》寫道：“乾坤初始，天籍注名。傳教大聖，降生西域。授受天經，三十部冊，普化眾生。億兆君師，萬聖領袖。協助天運，保庇國民。五時祈祐，默祝太 平。存心真主，加志窮民。拯救患難，洞徹幽冥。超拔靈魂，脱離罪業。仁覆天下，道冠古今。降邪歸一，教名清真。穆罕默德，至貴聖人。”(《百字讚》

Since Creation of Universe
Heaven has already appointed,
Faith Preaching Giant Saint,
From West He’s Born,
To receive Holy Scripture,
With thirty part Book,
To guide all creations,
King of all Kings,
Leader of Holy Ones,
With Support from Divine,
To Protect His Nation,
With five daily prayers,
Silently hope for peace,
With heart toward Allah,
Empower the poor ones,
Save them from calamity,
See through the Unseen,
Pulling souls and spirits,
Away from all wrongdoings,
Mercy to the World,
Walking ancient Crowned Path,
Evil vanquished to One,
Religion Pure and True,
Muhammad,
The Noble High One.

:: Mualaf - Being a Chinese & a Muslim ::

Assalam Alaikum,

A short clip on events the chinese muslim reverts faced in Malaysia... and maybe in SEAsia~

W'salam,
Khadijah C.

:: Dua for family ::

rabbana hab lana min azwajina wathurriyyatina qurrata aAAyunin waijAAalna lilmuttaqeena imaman

  رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

And those who pray, "Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."
( سورة الفرقان , Al-Furqan, Chapter #25, Verse #74)

  

:: SG 2Mar13 Al-Ghazali on Intention, Sincerity & Truthfulness ::

 

Topic: Al-Ghazali on Intention, Sincerity and Truthfulness
Speaker: Ustadh Usama Canon
Event: Workshop
Date: Saturday 2 March 2013
Time: 2pm - 7pm
Venue: SimplyIslam 

“Intention, Sincerity & Truthfulness” is the 37th chapter of the magnum opus, Ihya’ Ulumuddin (Revival of the Religious Sciences), written by the eminent and illustrious Islamic scholar of all time, Abu Hamid ibn Muhammad Al-Ghazali.

Imam Al-Ghazali deals with a subject that is of crucial importance. He asks: “How can someone ignorant of the meaning of intention verify his own intention”; or “how can someone ignorant of the meaning of sincerity verify his own sincerity”; or “how can someone sincerely claim truthfulness if he has not verified its meaning?”

Imam Al-Ghazali gave a response to each of these questions by expounding the reality and levels of intention, sincerity and truthfulness, those acts which affirm them and those acts which mar them.  He presented his thoughts and opinions very clearly and categorically, based on the Holy Qur'an, the Prophetic traditions (hadith), and the teachings of numerous Islamic scholars.

In this 4-hour workshop, Ustadh Usama Canon will share the concepts of intention, sincerity and truthfulness based on the teachings of Imam Al-Ghazali. For any enquiries, please email info@simplyislam.sg or call 65474407.

:: HK 25Feb13 Islam as a Culture or an Ideology ::

:: Dawah through greetings ::

 

:: HK 23Feb13 Modern Period & Islamic Relevance in the IT Age ::

:: SG 23Feb13 When Allah writes my love story ::

:: Sis Sofia's experiences with 'unseen' ::

Assalam Alaikum,

A highly recommended video to watch!

Sis Sofia talked about her experiences with the jinns... Jinns in human form, in animal form... Some in places of worships, funerals.. and even Jinns doing salat!

Narrated 'Aisha: Some people asked Allah's Apostle about the fore-tellers He said. ' They are nothing" They said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Sometimes they tell us of a thing which turns out to be true." Allah's Apostle said, "A jinn snatches that true word and pours it Into the ear of his friend (the fore-teller) (as one puts something into a bottle) The foreteller then mixes with that word one hundred lies."
(Sahih Bukhari Book #71, Hadith #657)

I have only created jinns and men, that they may serve Me.

( سورة الذاريات , Adh-Dhariyat, Chapter #51, Verse #56)

Allahu Akhbar!

W'salam,

Khadijah C.

:: Thy Guardian-Lord hath not forsaken thee ::

By the Glorious Morning Light,

And by the Night when it is still,-

Thy Guardian-Lord hath not forsaken thee, nor is He displeased.

And verily the Hereafter will be better for thee than the present.

And soon will thy Guardian-Lord give thee (that wherewith) thou shalt be well-pleased.

Did He not find thee an orphan and give thee shelter (and care)?

And He found thee wandering, and He gave thee guidance.

And He found thee in need, and made thee independent.

Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness,

Nor repulse the petitioner (unheard);

But the bounty of the Lord - rehearse and proclaim!

( سورة الضحى , Ad-Dhuha, Chapter #93)

:: Conquering laziness ::

:: 祸兮福所倚，福兮祸所伏 ::

【词目】祸兮福所倚，福兮祸所伏

【发音】huò xī fú suǒ yǐ，fú xī huò suǒ fú

【释义】福与祸相互依存，可以互相转化。比喻坏事可以引出好的结果，好事也可 以引出坏的结果。 “祸”使人悲伤，“福”使人快乐，因此“祸”“福”之间是一个对立矛盾。然而“祸”又有可 能使人吸取 教训而产生“福”，“福”有可能使人乐极生悲而产生“祸”，因此 “祸”与“福”之间又是一个统一的矛盾。

【出处】《老子》第五十八章：“祸兮福之所倚，福兮祸之所伏。”

"But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not. (2:216)

http://baike.baidu.com/view/ 46895.htm

:: 谋事在人,成事在天 إن شاء الله‎, Insha'Allah ::

Source: http://dancewithraindrops.wordpress.com/2011/10/05/insha-allah

谋事在人，成事在天

móu shì zài rén，chéng shì zài tiān

〖出处〗明·罗贯中《三国演义》第一百三回·上方谷司马受困 五丈原诸葛禳星...孔明叹曰：“谋事在人，成事在天。不可强也！”后人有诗叹曰：“谷口风狂烈焰飘，何期骤雨降青霄。武侯妙计如能就，安得山河属晋朝！”

〖解释〗旧谚。意思是自己已经尽力而为，至于能否达到目的，那就要看时运如何了。

The planning lies with man, the outcome with Heaven. Man proposes, God disposes。

“人”“谋”是过程，“天”“成”是结果；“人”“谋”在前，“天”“成”在后；先有“人”“谋”，后有“天”“成”；有了“人”“谋”，在预定时间内不一定有“天”“成”；但终归会有“天”“成”；但没有“人”“谋”，绝不会有“天”“成”！通过以上的分析，我们可以看到，“谋事在人，成事在天”这句成语告诉我们，我们在做事情的时候，一定要学会正确对待，正确处理过程与结果的关系。

Source: http://baike.baidu.com/view/165791.htm

For each (such person) there are (angels) in succession, before and behind him: They guard him by command of Allah. Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls). But when (once) Allah willeth a people's punishment, there can be no turning it back, nor will they find, besides Him, any to protect.

( سورة الرعد , Ar-Rad, Chapter #13, Verse #11)

:: Muslim in Seoul, Korea ::

:: Talk on Islam by Imam Ishaq Ma (Taiwan) ::

:: Love, Marriage & Fairytale ::

:: Never give up Hope ::

Assalam Alaikum,

A short lecture on hope which gives an individual an enormous amount of strength~ Shaykh Abdul Nasir Jangda also provides some examples of how one should not give up hope, especially towards other people, for we do not know their life journey and only Allah, Subhana Wa Ta'ala, knows~

Personally, I believe in the power of the word 'Insha'Allah'~ There's also a great amount of hope in this word... To live in hope and placing high hopes, is to believe in the power of Allah, Subhana Wa Ta'ala, superseding all other creations~

Enjoy!

W'salam,
Khadijah C.

:: What is love? ::

What is love when it is more than just a word?

:: Sultans of Science Exhibition ::

Source: Sultans of Science 

Making its premiere in Asia at the Science Centre Singapore, “Sultans of Science", is a global touring exhibition celebrating the contributions of Muslim scholars in science, mathematics and technology during the Golden Age of the Islamic World (700-1700 CE), and the influence of their discoveries and inventions on modern society. The exhibition will also demonstrate to visitors that the foundation for the Renaissance in Europe was probably laid by these scholars while highlighting the harmonious working relationship between Muslims and people of other races and faiths.

Covering the main fields of scientific endeavour from mathematics to navigation, astronomy, medicine, engineering and technology, architecture and flight, the exhibition will feature 35 interactive, sensory and static exhibits, proposing that notable discoveries and inventions currently attributed to Western scientists were made by Muslim scholars.

Highlights

The Pioneers of Flight

Over a thousand years ago, in front of a crowd on a hill near Cordoba, Spain, Abbas Bin Firnas climbed into the harness of his glider, launched himself into the air and flew across the Spanish countryside. He was the first aviator, 1 000 years before Otto Lilienthal in Germany.

The Explorers

Trade runs deep in the blood of Islam. Explore the rich history of their nomadic and trading society, where travel and exploration was fundamental to the Arab way of life. Follow these explorers through the World Floor Map and Interactive AV Game of Ibn Battuta.

Medicine

Muslim physicians were one of the pioneers for modern medicine. Explore the rich history from the building of the first sophisticated hospital, the inventing of surgical instruments and procedures to the huge strides made by these scholars in understanding how the human body works!

Astronomy

Astronomy was vital for Islamic society in the Golden Ages; find out how it helped established the direction of Makkah (Mecca), the time for prayer and Ramadan and the seasons for planting crops.

17 April 2012 to 16 July 2012
Singapore Science Centre Annexe
http://www.science.edu.sg/exhibitions/Pages/SultansofScience.aspx

:: Procrastination and Laziness ::

Satan Hinders the Slave from Acting by Means of Procrastination and Laziness

by 'Umar Sulayman al-Ashqar

Concerning this point, Satan has many ways and means. It is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

Narrated Abu Huraira Allah's Apostle said, "Satan puts three knots at the back of the head of any of you if he is asleep. On every knot he reads and exhales the following words, 'The night is long, so stay asleep.' When one wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone; and when one performs ablution, the second knot is undone, and when one prays the third knot is undone and one gets up energetic with a good heart in the morning; otherwise one gets up lazy and with a mischievous heart." 

(Sahih Bukhari Book #21, Hadith #243)

It is also recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim that he said,

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "If anyone of you rouses from sleep and performs the ablution, he should wash his nose by putting water in it and then blowing it out thrice, because Satan has stayed in the upper part of his nose all the night." 

(Sahih Bukhari Book #54, Hadith #516) (Sahih Muslim Book #002, Hadith #0462)

Al-Bukhari also records that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about a man who sleeps until the morning comes, that is, after the time of the dawn prayer. He said,

Narrated 'Abdullah : A person was mentioned before the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and he was told that he had kept on sleeping till morning and had not got up for the prayer. The Prophet said, "Satan urinated in his ears." 

(Sahih Bukhari Book #21, Hadith #245)

What we have mentioned is from among the ways that Satan hinders the human from doing some actions. He also whispers into the human a love for laziness, postponing or procrastinating actions and thinking about what a long period of time one has for such and such action or work.

Ibn al-Jawzi has written on this topic, stating, How many of the Jews or Christians have considered in their hearts love for Islam. But Iblees always hinders them. He says to them, "Do not be hasty. Look closer into the matter."And they postpone their conversion until they die as unbelievers.

In the same way the one who is disobedient to Allah postpones his repentance. He sets his sights on his desires and he hopes he will repent later. But, as the poet said, "Do not rush to perform the sins you desire and think about the period of repentance beforehand."How many are determined to do something and then they postpone it.

Perhaps a scholar is determined to return to his study. Satan says, "Rest for a while." Or a servant is alerted to the prayer at night and he says to him, "You have plenty of time."He will not stop making people love laziness and postponing of actions and he makes the person rely on hopes and dreams.

It is necessary for the energetic person to take matters into his own hand and act upon his energy. The energetic finds the time to do things and does not procrastinate and he turns away from just dreaming. The one who has a real fear of Allah does not feel safe of punishment. The soul never stops in its dispute about evil and facing the good. But it always expects that it will have plenty of time to complete the good.

One of the early scholars said, "Beware of procrastinating. It is the greatest of the soldiers of Satan." The serious, non-procrastinating person and the one who rests on his hopes and puts off working are like two who are passing through a city while journeying. The serious, energetic one buys his provisions early and waits for his traveling out of the city. The procrastinator says, "I will wait, as perhaps we will stay here a month," and continues to put off buying his provisions and preparing for his departure, until the last minute wherein he becomes rushed and mistake prone.

This is how people are in this world. Some of them are prepared and alert. When the angel of death comes, he is not sorrowful. Others are deceived by thinking they can procrastinate and they will despair when the time to move on comes. It is part of one’s nature to love laziness and dreams but then Iblees comes and builds upon that. This makes it difficult to struggle against him in that matter. But the one who is alert knows that he is in the middle of a battle. He knows that his enemy does not rest. And if it seems that he is resting, it is actually just part of his strategy.

Ibn al-Jawzi, Talbees Iblees, p. 458

:: Umrah understood ::

:: 中国穆斯林 Muslims in China ::

:: Jesus, son of Mary, brother of all Prophets ::

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all the people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one." (Bukhari Book #55, Hadith #652)

:: Funeral rituals ::

Assalam Alaikum,

This was a discussion about the process of funeral in various traditions; such as in Islam, people in laos, Qinghai, India, Eskimos, the vikings. 

In the beginning of the video, Ustaz Ishaq Ma, from the Taipei Mosque, led the discussion by explaining the islamic funeral rituals and its meaning behind. Others started sharing what they observed while they were on holidays abroad.

Towards the end, Mr. Zhou gave further explanation and in the time 13:20, he spoke out for Islam being interpreted by the American media as the media is controlled by the 'jews'...

May Allah subhana wa ta'ala, gives him hidayat~ Ameen~

Enjoy the video!

W'salam,

Khadijah C.

:: Who are we to judge? ::

It is prohibited for a person to say "such and such" is for Jannah or for Jahannam or that he is a kaafir.

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "There were two men who were living as brothers; one of them was sinful, while the other stove very much to perform his devotion to Allah. The striver (after good) would continuously see the other in sin, and so he would continuously advise him to leave it. 

The sinner retorted: 'Leave me, by my Lord- are you sent as a watcher over me?' 

Worshipper said: 'By Allah, Allah will not forgive you, or (he said) Allah will not make you enter Jannah. 

After their souls were taken, they were brought together before Allah, so He said to the striver: 'Did you have knowledge of Me, or are you able to do what is in My Hand?' 

Allah said to the sinner 'Go to Jannah by my Mercy and said to the other "Take him to the fire (of Jahannam)'. " 

[Abu Dawood Book #41, Hadith #4883]

Taken from The many danger of the tongue (http://www.kalamullah.com/five.html#shame)

:: Allah will provide ::

:: Came as a mercy ::

Assalam Alaikum,

Every minute of my breathing moment is spending being grateful to Allah, subhana wa ta'ala, for His endless mercy to guide me and to give me strength to walk on the straight path.

Being spent twenty over odd years of being a non-muslim has given me the understanding of how lost one is without the guidance of Allah, subhana wa ta'ala... There is always a hikmah behind everything... I always wonder what is the hikmah of being a 'revert', to spend the first part of my life not knowing about islam, and to be guided again~

I start to have a glimpse of that hikmah from our beloved Prophet Muhammad, sallahu alayhi wa salaam~ There are some hadiths which I wish to share...

Narrated Ata bin Yasar: I met Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As and asked him, "Tell me about the description of Allah's Apostle which is mentioned in Torah (i.e. Old Testament.") He replied, 'Yes. By allah, he is described in Torah with some of the qualities attributed to him in the Quran as follows: "O Prophet ! We have sent you as a witness (for allah's True religion) And a giver of glad tidings (to the faithful believers), And a warner (to the unbelievers) And guardian of the illiterates. You are My slave and My messenger (i.e. Apostle). I have named you "Al-Mutawakkil" (who depends upon allah). You are neither discourteous, harsh Nor a noise-maker in the markets And you do not do evil to those Who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness. Allah will not let him (the Prophet) die till he makes straight the crooked people by making them say: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah," With which will be opened blind eyes and deaf ears and enveloped hearts." (Bukhari Book #34, Hadith #335)

One day, the companions, as a result of pressures put on them by non-Muslims, asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) to make a prayer condemning the enemies of Islam. In response, the Prophet said: 

"I did not come for condemnation; I came as a mercy."

(Muslim, jihad 104; Abu Yaia, al-Musnad, XI, 35; al-Bayhaqi, al-Sunan al-Kubrd, III, 352; al-Tabarabi, al-Mu'jam al-Awsat, III, 223) 

The prayer he made against his fiercest enemies was as follows: "O my Lord! They know not! Give them guidance!" 

(Bukhari, Anbiya 54; Muslim, Jihad 104; Ibn Majah, Fitan 33; Ibn Hibban, al-Sahih, III, 254)

I would love to think that someone had done this dua for me somewhere in my life... During the time when I was not aware of the teaching of islam, I really did not know what's in life... If someone could see the lose state I was in and to talk to me about the oneness of The God, I would have grabbed onto the rope of Allah, subhana wa ta'ala, long ago... Then again, Allah, subhana wa ta'ala, has the best plan for me~

I know how it is to be lost... Subhan'Allah! Allah, subhana wa ta'ala, give me the courage, the fear, the strength, the hidayat to choose this path upon knowing the sweetest of the deen... There are many out there who knows about the deen but are not following it... Why? Allah, subhana wa ta'ala, has His plans for them... Maybe just like me, to let me see and experience life lessons in order to taste the sweetest of the deen~

There are many out there, like me, who are very lost and are just following the flow of the society... Among these are some who knows about the teaching of islam but many do not... I would believe that if they know it, they would be a sincere servant of Allah, subhana wa ta'ala~ Who is going to reach out to these group of mankind?

That's where I think the 'reverts' should do the job... One, they know the feeling of being lost and the feeling of searching for meaning. Two, 'reverts' have tasted the sweetest of iman and because of that he/she refuses to go back to the dark path... Third, 'reverts' do know the process of searching for truth and could demonstrate to others, through his/her daily activities...

Of course, this is a responsibility which need time and strength from Allah, subhana wa ta'ala, to carry out~ There are people like AbdulRaheem Green, or Hussein Yee, who are taking on the da'wah project on an international level... But how many of us could take up such big responsibility? Insha'Allah, one day we would... But till the day come, we can do da'wah in whatever we can...

If we can't speak, we can show by our actions... As I believe in the phrase 'action speaks louder than words'... But where do we start? To me, I am always reminded in my salat that Allah, subhana wa ta'ala, is Al-Rahman, Al-Raheem; The most gracious, The most merciful, The most compassionate...

To let others know about Allah, suhana wa ta'ala, let traces of His attributes be reflected in us~ Among mankind, there is one who reflected on Allah, subhana wa ta'ala, attributes very well and act according to it... And that's none other than our beloved Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him... In the hadith below, this man decided to follow the actions/sayings of our beloved prophet, peace be upon him, and it was informed to him that Allah, subhana wa ta'ala, loves him.

'A'isha reported: The Messenger of allah (may peace be upon him) sent a man in charge of an expedition and he would recite for his Companions during their prayer, ending (recitation) with:" Say, He is God, One." When they returned mention was made of it to the Messenger of allah (may peace be upon him). He (the Holy Prophet) told them to ask him why he had done like that. So they asked him and he said: Verily, it is an attribute of the Compassionate One, and (for this reason) I love to recite it. The Messenger of allah (may peace be upon him) thereupon said: Inform him that Allah loves him. (Muslim Book #004, Hadith #1773)

Very sadly, there are muslim in our ummah who 'discriminate' against other mankind... Yes, I would agree that there are people out there who are not behaving as well as they are expected to... But who are we to look down on them when they do not have the guidance of Allah, subhana wa ta'ala yet? Who are are to look down on those who have not taste the sweetness of being patience and restraining one nafs? Didn't our Prophet show us the way to treat them? The least we could do is to make dua'a for them, instead of cursing them~

Mankind were one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent down the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. And only those to whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them through hatred, one to another. Then Allah by His Leave guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to the Straight Path.

( سورة البقرة , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #213)

Mankind is one community... Why are we not those who can show those who are not on the straight path the brightness of it? Yes, Allah, subhana wa ta'ala, guides who He wills but that does not happen by magic... There are occasions when we look at the mannerism and action of a person and recognise it as an islamic way of living, but that person is not exposed to the deen~ That is our responsibility as a muslim to inform them and to share with them~

Insha'Allah, Allah subhana wa ta'ala, let us be those who can be an positive example to others~

I wish and I pray that whoever who is reading this will reflect on surah Al-Fatihah and realised that the actual fact that we are able to reflect, is a gift from Allah, subhana wa ta'ala~

May Allah, subhana wa ta'ala, gives us the strength, the courage, the wisdom to reflect His compassion, His mercy to others, with Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, be our guide... Ameen~